(another) carpet question

[scampbel98]

Background: 1980 Fiat 124 2000 Carb spider rolling restoration. It's a weekend driver. Just finished rebuilding motor, new convertible top, body in great shape. Working on interior now. Has the typical gansta seat lean and ratty carpets.

The carpet is deep pile though and not the corn row stuff I hear about. I bought a carpet kit (ebay i think) a long time ago. But the quality and texture sux. Anyone wanna buy a low cost kit?

I've reviewed *all* the threads in here on carpet, but am concerned none of the vendor stuff is NOT what I'd want to go with (see above). Does anyone have any strong opinions on the best source for cut pile carpet for a 1980?

I'm thinking about ordering by-the-yard auto carpet and templating/binding my own. I'm thinking about trying to cover the transmission tunnel as one piece and avoid that crazy little piece at the back. Anyone tried that?

And of course, heat shielding for the toes...

Thanks in advance

[azruss]

a dense pile carpet has a couple of disadvantages. it doesnt like being molded into odd shapes and once the dirt gets down deep, its very difficult to clean. I think you will run on to 2 problems trying to wrap the tranny tunnel. First, the console wont fit over the top and 2nd you may have trouble getting the carpet to lay nicely along the side of the tunnel.

[azygoustoyou]

I bought my carpet from this place. It was cheap and just like most carpet in vehicles today. I plan on taking the patterns off of the carpet that was in the car and cut it out. Here is the link http://www.atrim.com/index.html

[baltobernie]

High-quality automotive carpet, heel pads, and other accessories can be purchased here http://www.worlduph.com/materialhrod.htm. An added bonus is that World can make a Spider set in any of these carpets. I just received my set in Square Weave black. Russ' caution about exceeding OE thickness is spot-on. If you plan on using padding or DynaMat, pay particular attention to the outer edges of the installation, or you'll have trouble refitting the kick panels, console, etc.

[azygoustoyou]

Hi Bernie,
I was going to use padding for the whole floor. Are you saying to only use it around the hump? This stuff is a heat shield that is about 1/2" thick.

[scampbel98]

so now I've got a biscuit and black set that must be for a pre-79. Not a good fit and not nearly as plush as what came with the car. Just shampoo'd what i have and i'll cut custom later. Season is nearly upon us in Nashvegas...

[baltobernie]

Hi Bernie,
I was going to use padding for the whole floor. Are you saying to only use it around the hump? This stuff is a heat shield that is about 1/2" thick.

No, you'll be OK with 1/2" thick stuff, as long as there's nothing between it and the metal. The original jute padding was about 1/2" thick. If you place the new only where you had the old, you'll be OK. My problems arose when I put new atop old. Then the console, etc. had trouble going back in. As you saw, the jute had metal clips to hold it in place. If you retain these (I didn't), be careful they don't leave a lump in the new carpet.

BTW, mostly done with my new set. Disappointed that I had to trim two pieces from an expensive set.

Then there's the problem of where to store the Welcome mat that passengers will be required to use before stepping into the newly-carpeted car